You know what’s super helpful when trying to make progress on WIPs? A sewing machine. You know what I don’t have right now? A SEWING MACHINE. Okay, I take that back—I don’t have my sewing machine. It’s been having some issues, and in the last week those issues escalated, so I reluctantly took my machine in for a tune-up on Monday. It’s been almost three years since the last one, so I guess she was due!Fortunately, I have a back-up. Here it is.

Yes, I’m “sewing pretty with Hello Kitty” for at least the next week. This was my daughter’s big Christmas gift—it’s what we sewed Pumpkin the elephant on. One of my justifications for buying it was that it could serve as my back-up machine if mine ever broke down. And while it sews surprisingly well for the price, it’s not exactly my ideal situation. : ) So I don’t know how much I’ll get done in the next week, but at least I have something I can use.

Completed:
Bee blocks. I barely managed to squeak these out before my Babylock became unusable. If you missed the post about them, it’s here.

New projects:

Solids project. Would you believe I’ve never made anything entirely from solids before? I am now! And how about this yummy color palette?

Wow, this cold has apparently totally made me lose all sense of time, I didn't realize it was Wednesday today!! Gosh, E's machine looks oh-so-tiny, I hope your machine comes back from the shop soon! What are you up to with those solids? I love that wine-y one on the top!

Oh Lee….good luck with Hello Kitty. You know; when I first started quilt, way back when…lol. I only pieced with solids…they were more available, good price,and hubby really likes 2 or 3 solids. Have fun.

We looked at the even smaller sewing machines for our oldest…but decided against it this past Christmas, she's still a little young. I didn't know they had other sizes for girls…great idea for a back up 🙂

Hello Kitty! Love that- I would have a hard time not smiling as I sewed looking at all that green cuteness. Three cheers for back up machines, my back up is a Janome too and although it isn't my very favorite it does a great job and I am grateful to have it when my Bernina is out of commission. I love your color palette and can't wait to see what you come up with!

Sewing pretty with Hello Kitty! That made me giggle. I have a backup and I still am stalling on taking in my machine! Mainly because I am too lazy to take the time to learn how to thread the backup machine and all that jazz.

Cute machine! he heI really want to go to the sewing shop and put a machine on lay away. The good thing about the shop too is that with buying a machine there you get free classes on how to use it.My $60 Brother from Wal mart has served me well for over 3 years but I want to be able to do more.

Ahhhh! That machine is so precious! I love it. If it's any consolation, it looks A LOT prettier than the taupe and brown 1979 Singer Creative Touch 1030 that is my backup machine. It helps that is says "Fashion Machine" on the side as well.

Glad you have a little Hello Kitty Back up Sewing Machine! Hope yours comes back soon! I can't imagine not having a back up machine. I have to admit I have 2 back up machines – plus other old ones I could use if I was desperate! Thanks again for hosting!

Your temporary sewing machine is too cute! But I hope your BabyLock is back very, very soon! I am spoiled and have a Melody as a back up machine just in case my Espire needs to go in for servicing. Happy Sewing!!!

I remember back in the early 1970's when my mom was shopping for a sewing machine, the stores let her take them home to try them out! She had a series of Singers and other brands that she sewed on for several days at a time. Don't you wish sewing machine dealers did that sort of thing now? Gosh, sometimes you get a loaner car from the car dealership, why not a loaner sewing machine from the sewing machine dealer?

Hi Lee. I am a new follower as of today. I wanted to introduce myself to you. I'm Cathy Buel and a member of the Quiltmaker Scrap Squad. I am finishing up the binding of my version of your Chain Reaction quilt. I love your quilt and was amazed that since it looked very complicated it wasn't. You designed a beautiful quilt. Hugs,